Rafael Nadal Biography

Rafael Nadal is one of the top tennis players in the world and the winner of 8 titles at the French Opens, 2 Wimbledons and the US Open in 2010 and 2013! Find out more about this Spanish tennis star right here.

Rafael Nadal - Tennis Tot

Rafael Nadal was born on the island of Mallorca in Spain on June 3, 1986 and still lives there with his family. He started playing tennis when he was just three years old, after watching his Uncle Tony play the sport at a local tennis club. Rafael's uncle began teaching him how to play tennis and by the age of 11, Rafael was winning youth tennis tournaments all across Spain. Uncle Tony remains Raffa's coach today

Rafael Nadal - Teenage Tennis Titan

Rafael turned pro when he was 15 and by 2003, he was one of the top 50 ranked mens tennis players in the world. With his unique left-handed playing style and long hair, Nadal became a fan favorite both in Spain and around the world. In 2005, Rafael continued to work his way up the world rankings and won the 2005 French Open with a four set victory over Mariano Puerta of Argentina. On the road to the French Open final, Rafael also upset Roger Federer, the world's number one ranked player. Nadal repeated as French Open champ in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and won his 65th straight match on clay court, making him the undisputed champion of clay-court tennis. He followed up by winning Wimbledon in 2008. In 2009 Rafael won his first hard-court Grand Slam singles title against Roger Federer in the Australian Open. At the 2009 French Open Rafael defeated Lleyton Hewitt and set the record of 31 consecutive wins at Roland Garros.